The Annunciation 1520 - 1530

Joos van Cleve’s “The Annunciation” (1520-1530) depicts the moment when the Angel Gabriel informs the Virgin Mary that she will give birth to Jesus. The scene is set in a domestic interior, with a bed and a window in the background, emphasizing the human aspect of the divine event. The angel, with wings outstretched, holds a lily, symbolizing Mary's purity. The dove above Mary represents the Holy Spirit, and the small devotional image on the wall further reinforces the religious context. This painting is a prime example of Early Netherlandish art, with its attention to detail and naturalism.